LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – A basketball fan and former president Barack Obama attended the first NBA Finals game between the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers as a virtual fan.
He sat in line with former Lakers stars Shaquille O’Neal and James Worthy.
The NBA has drawn names and former champions for its virtual audience: Bill Walton, Clyde Drexler, Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade, Isiah Thomas, Julius Erving, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Manu Ginobili, Pau Gasol, Ray Allen, Robert Horry, Robert Parish , Chauncey Billups and Paul Pierce.
Obama is a well-known school basketball and NBA fan, and on the league’s All-Star weekend in February in Chicago, Obama met with NBA players on at least two occasions: an NBA Cares occasion to help City Year Chicago, who is helping academics. Expand the skills and mindsets needed to contribute to strong communities. Array and a “direct discussion” with NBA stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Love and Chris Paul.
The league used virtual enthusiasts to reboot inside the bubble. Among celebrity appearances, singer Halsey has been a virtual fan of the Lakers.